March-April 2010

New York City Mineral Artist: Barbara Siegel (b. 1946)

by Susan Robinson

Barbara Siegel has created, with her art, a different approach to honor the famous mineralogist Clifford Frondel. After reading his extensive obituary in the New York Times in November 2002, Siegel realized she had found a kindred spirit in Frondel with his interest in rocks and minerals, and she wanted to express that feeling with a special solo exhibit focusing on the breadth of his work. Her exhibit on Frondel was at the AIR (Artist in Residence) Gallery in New York City in May and June 2009. She states: “He not only named 48 new [mineral] species, but also studied kidney stones, moon rocks, and the mineral patinas on ancient works of art. As an artist working in a free-wheeling and intuitive way, I particularly identified with Cliff's curiosity and creativity.” The specimens her art depicted in the show were loaned by avid collectors, and they represented the “fascination nonprofessionals have with rocks and minerals.”

Susan Robinson is a freelance artist specializing in painting mineral and gem specimens as well as birds and wildlife.